JFD Global, Saab partner on Swedish underwater programs

September 5, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Marine solutions provider James Fisher Defence (JFD Global) has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with defense company Saab to collaborate on the Swedish underwater programs and related submarine rescue solutions.

JFD Global has operated in Sweden together with Saab since 2010, primarily supporting the Royal Swedish Navy (RSwN) with its 55-tonne submarine rescue vehicle, URF.

The company also maintains and supports an ANSTI breathing machine used for performance measurement of underwater breathing apparatus at the RSwN diving school.

In recent years, the company has expanded its Swedish team to around 30 employees specialising in tactical diving vehicle services at Rindö/Vaxholm in the Stockholm archipelago.

Through this agreement, JFD Global will accelerate its growth in Sweden by offering the full breadth of its defense capabilities while maintaining a strong local presence.

The portfolio encompasses pressure chambers, military diving products, including the recently launched stealth multi-role rebreather, tactical diving vehicles, submarine platforms, and submarine rescue systems.

“This agreement with Saab strengthens our ability to support Sweden’s naval and diving community with the most advanced, reliable and responsive solutions available. By combining our in-country presence with the expertise from Saab, we can work even more closely with customers to meet their operational needs, address ongoing challenges and ensure that they have the safety, service and support they require – now and in the future,” Thomas Ljungqvist, General Manager Sweden and the Nordics, said.

“Saab has entered a Strategic Cooperation Agreement with JFD to bring together complementary expertise with initial focus on submarine rescue systems. Together, we can offer integrated, reliable solutions that enhance safety and capability for missions in Sweden and around the world,” Joakim Mevius, Head of BU Submarines at Saab Kockums, commented.

To remind, in April this year, JFD delivered its advanced submarine rescue vehicle (SRV) to the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN).